€175,000 will be distributed between 11 voluntary organizations and 2 local councils to carry out projects in local communities through the LEADER Programme.
The main objective of these projects is to give more importance to the rural and cultural identity of south-east Malta and to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett was present at the signing between the GAL Xlokk Foundation and the beneficiaries. Among the projects they will carry out are restoration projects, purchase of musical instruments, educational equipment to be used by organizations for children and young people, renovation of halls, as well as innovative investments in technology to provide more promotion to localities.
Over the last five years, the Southeast LAG has administered the sum of just over €2.2 million of European funds under the rural development program. In the coming weeks he will be releasing other schemes so that they can be enjoyed in the community.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett spoke about the importance of these funds which will lead to more investment in the cultural and social sector. “It is gratifying to see more voluntary associations and local councils benefit from more European funds to continue investing in local communities, in our traditions and strengthen the cultural element in our country,” repeated Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.
The Manager of Fondazzjoni GAL Xlokk Terence Camilleri said that it is gratifying that in recent years they have seen more local councils, voluntary organizations and individuals benefit from the LEADER program, with the interest in this program constantly growing. He said that the Foundation is looking at a public consultation in the coming months in order to issue various measures of the LEADER program which is part of the local development strategy under the Strategic Plan of Common Agricultural Policy for the coming years.
